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SELECTMEN'S MEETING
December 7, 1979
Chairman Miley called the meeting to order at 7 40 a m.
Those present included Mrs Mary Miley, Mr Al Busa, Mrs Margery Battin,
Mr Robert Kent, Mr Jim Crain, Mrs Nancy Banks, Assistant to the
Town Manager; Mr David Williams, Chairman of Conservation Commission;
Mr David Wells, Chairman of Recreation Committee; Mr Manfred Fried-
man, Chairman of Planning Board; Dr Allen Korman, Youth Commission
Representative; Dr William Cosgrove, Chairman Board of Health;
Mr Woodruff Brodhead, Board of Appeals Representative; Mr William Sen,
Chairman Council on Aging and Mrs Mary Shunney, Chairman of Housing
Authority
Chairman Miley briefly outlined the budget which the Town Manager would
be submitting to the Board later in the day She noted that total spending
is up 6 2% in the proposed budget which would result in some increases in taxes
Reading from the Town Manager's message, she noted that 13% inflation, insta-
bility in the energy area, increased pension costs, mandated assessments for
state and county government, collective bargaining settlements existing and
anticipated, are all major factors in our increases The necessity to embark
upon a long overdue solution to the solid waste problem is provided for in
this budget and must be recognized in the continuing costs
Mrs Battin then outlined the goal process that the Board is undertaking
To date the Board has identified four major problem areas Center Revitaliz-
ation; Source of revenue for the Town looking specifically at reducing the re-
liance on the property tax and increasing the tax base; Financial Management -
looking at tax stabilization; and Employee Development/Capacity - with an ex-
panded commitment to employee development at all levels to allow for career
growth, more competitive opportunities and greater identification of responsi-
bilities
The next step, Mrs Battin noted, is the development of specific objectives
in each area
Mr Busa reported on the work of the Center Committee Currently, the
committee is looking at a revised parking plan which would allow for smaller
parking spaces and reduced lane widths, thereby increasing the number of spaces
The committee has not yet looked at revitalization, but will be addressing that
issue There was some discussion about the impact of Lexpress on the Center
While a large number of people go to the Mall, the system appears to have in-
creased the number of people in the Center Mr Crain hoped the Chamber would
be able to provide some specific data on the impact of the system
Mrs Shunney updated the group on recent projects of the Housing Authority
She expressed concern about the level of federal money which may be available
for future housing programs, because of some proposed cutbacks
Mr Kent raised some concerns about Town Meeting, regarding the length,
people not being ready for their articles, articles being taken out of order,
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Selectmen's Meeting December 7, 1979
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and the time for reconsideration The TMMA Executive Committee is review-
ing the rules for reconsideration, looking particularly at the time limit
allowed, and limiting the areas of discussion Mr Kent felt limiting the
areas of discussion may be difficult for the moderator to administer and
he asked for the groups' reaction to requesting a 2/3 vote on reconsidera-
tion Generally, the reaction was favorable although Mr Crain suggested
that the Board get data on the percentage of times a vote is overturned on
reconsideration The meeting briefly discussed Town Meeting and agreed to
prepare a list for distribution of articles for this year's warrant
Chairman Miley adjourned the meeting at 8 30 a m
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy H Bks
Assistant to the Town Manager